British tourists arrested in China
Nine British tourists are among 20 foreigners who have been imprisoned in China, allegedly on suspicion of terrorist links.
However, six of the Britions are expected to be released within the next couple of days.
The group was detained in Inner Mongolia on July 10. African charity Gift of the Givers has claimed they were tourists but China claims some are linked to a terror group.
Gift of the Givers said that the group, which also includes South Africans and one Indian citizen, were arrested when they landed at Erdos airport.
However, the BBC said it had not received an official explanation for the arrests from the Chinese authorities.
UK officials told the BBC they are ‘seeking further clarification’ on the reason for the arrests. British consular staff have visited the group to provide assistance.
On its Facebook page, Gift of the Givers wrote: "This was supposed to be a tour to explore ancient China; a planned 47-day journey for ten South Africans, nine Britons and one Indian national. A tour that went horribly wrong on Friday, 10 July, when they were arrested at Erdos Airport, Inner Mongolia, at 9.40 am local time.
"No reasons were given for the arrest; cellphones were confiscated, there was no access to the embassies of origin nor to their families. They were detained without charge with no access to any communication nor to legal representation.
"It was only on Sunday, 48 hours later, when the tour operator realised that something was amiss and made the trip to Erdos, that the first information on the detained citizens came to light.
"Family members till now, four days later, have had no communication with those detained. The Chinese, now trying to find reasons for the detention suggested that some members were linked to a terror group, to a banned organisation, to watching propaganda videos in their hotel room. "
It said the Chinese have agreed to release 11 of those arrested – including six Britons – but they will remain in detention until flights can be found to fly them out of China.
Three Britioins continue to be held at a detention centre accused of watching propaganda videos, it said.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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